Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 tested – Modern punch with classic control! Stephan has been thoroughly enjoying testing this racket over the past few months and shares his findings below!
Introduction:
With the Ultra 99 Pro V5, Wilson adds a remarkable frame to the Ultra family. This racket isn’t just a new version; it’s a deliberate return to a racket mold that was discontinued years ago but can still often be seen on the WTA Tour, usually disguised in Wilson Blade paint jobs. It’s the mold of the popular Steam 99, which until recently could only be identified by the white tubes in the throat of the frame. As a racket tester, I’m naturally excited about the return of this beautiful frame and curious to see how the new version plays.
The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is now available in our webshop and comes strung for free with a string of your choice!
First impressions & specifications:
Even before you hit a ball, you can tell: this racket means business. The slightly thicker, tapered frame and modern blue design give the Ultra 99 Pro V5 a fresh, youthful look, but its weight and balance make it a handful. With a strung weight of 323 grams and a swingweight of around 330 (mine was 326), this frame is anything but lightweight—but it’s perfectly balanced for stable, controlled shots.
Specifications:
Brand: Wilson
Model: Ultra 99 Pro V5
Head size: 99 sq/inch
Weight: 305 g
Balance: 32.5 cm
String pattern: 16x18
Length: 27 inches
RA: 69
Swingweight: 330 (average)
Beam: 22mm / 23.5mm / 21.5mm
The SI3D layup technology provides extra cushioning and spin potential, while the Power Grooves in the frame increase energy transfer to the ball. In short, the Steam 99 frame has been updated with new technology and will likely feel more refined than the layup of its predecessor.
On court: ‘not a racket for beginners’
Let’s be clear: the Wilson Ultra 99 Pro is not a racket for beginners or players with very flat strokes who struggle to generate pace themselves. This frame is for advanced players who generate their own power and spin and enjoy a modern, control-oriented racket.
Baseline:
From the baseline, this frame feels wonderfully solid. The open 16x18 pattern offers more than enough spin potential, although the launch angle is a little lower than that of a Pure Aero. Topspin forehands easily clear the net with plenty of margin, while slice backhands bite low into the court. The frame’s real strength is its consistency. Hit the same shot at the same speed, and you’ll get the same result every time. That makes this racket very predictable from the baseline, with almost no unexpected sprays. It’s a pleasure to bombard an opponent with heavy balls and keep doing so more than five times in a row without any wild misses.
Net play & feel:
At the net, the Ultra 99 Pro is surprisingly maneuverable, despite its balance point sitting somewhat toward the top of the frame. The (relatively) stiff frame also provides solid punch and makes it easy to hit more compact volleys. With a slightly softer poly like Diadem Flash, there’s also a surprising amount of feel in the string bed—although placing drop shots requires more finesse than with, for example, a Blade or Pro Staff.
Serve:
Serving with the Wilson Ultra 99 Pro is a joy. The higher swingweight adds extra power to your shots, provided you can generate enough racket-head speed, especially on flat serves down the T. Slice and kick serves are also easy to hit thanks to the open string pattern. My kick serves in particular really jumped off the clay—the ball stays in the strings just a little longer for maximum lift. In short, serving with it is a pleasure.
Returns:
On returns, you can feel the perfect balance between mass and control. Against big serves, you can block the ball back effortlessly, while against second serves, you can step in aggressively and hit a compact, deep return. In that respect, it strongly reminded me of the old Steam 99 and its sibling, the Wilson Juice Pro 96, which I’ve played with myself—aggressive returns come off the strings surprisingly easily and, once again, very consistently (the recurring theme!).
String sensitivity: something to keep in mind
The open 16x18 pattern is a double-edged sword, though. While it generates plenty of spin, it also causes the strings to move around—and break—quickly. With Diadem Flash at 23 kg, my strings started moving after just half an hour. Even with stiffer strings, snapback remained limited, which eventually affects stability. My advice: use thicker strings (at least 1.25 mm) or opt for a smoother polyester to improve string life.
My ideal setup (so far...)
For my playing style, the Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 worked best with a fresh set of Luxilon Alu Power at 23 kg, plus 4 g of lead under the butt cap to bring the balance down to 32.0 cm. This gave me a little more speed and maneuverability without compromising stability. For greater durability, I’m going to try another setup with Diadem Pro X.
The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is now available in our webshop and comes strung for free with a string of your choice!
Comparison & conclusion: Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5
The Ultra 99 Pro stands apart from the rest of the Ultra range. It’s really more like a more powerful version of the Blade 98, or a more maneuverable alternative to the Blade Pro 98. The Ultra 99 Pro offers an impressive blend of control and power—but above all, consistency—with enough feel to add variety to your game.
In my opinion, Wilson has managed to create a frame that feels both modern and classic. It swings faster than a Prestige or Pro Staff, but offers more feedback than, for example, a Clash or Head Gravity. The Ultra 99 Pro has the same raw feel as the Head Extreme Tour (now the Extreme Pro in the new lineup), but with more power.
Final verdict:
The Wilson Ultra 99 Pro V5 is one of the best rackets of 2025 for advanced players. It takes some research to find the right strings, but gives experienced players plenty of spin, power, stability, and control in one consistent package.
In short, it’s an absolute must-buy for advanced tennis players looking to modernize their game without sacrificing feel and control.
